Thanks guys ... so all I need to do is turn on Stage tools.. quote: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- look for this in the post: stagetool : 1 #0 = Do not pre-stage tools, 1 = Stage tools -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- then add *next_tool somewhere like on my G43 line?

We just got a new machine (Fadal). Im currently useing the MPMasterFadal Post. This one has the tool changer with the swing arm and I was trying to make it call up the next tool while the machin is running the previous cycly. I need to know where or how to add a next tool command so that the tool pot will be in possition for the next tool change ahead of time.

Im fairly new to 3D machining. Can anyone point me in the right direction on finding speeds and feeds for useing ball nose endmills (Carbied) for roughing and finishing also to get a better tool life? Maybe charts or formulas.

So far doing 3-D I havent had any problems. Havent tried it on 2-D yet.

Ill try one that way as soon as I get a chance and see what I get.

In the help section it says that the cutter comp will not work with the highfeed machingin... From Mastercam Help FIle: Intended use ¨ Works with 2.5-axis and 3-axis toolpaths. ¨ Applies only to machine moves specified by G0 – G3 codes ¨ Works with flat, bull, and ball cutters. ¨ All selected operations must use the same tool plane. ¨ Does not work with 5-axis toolpaths. ¨ Does not modify feed rates when cutter compensation in control is used. ¨ Does not handle position codes.

I dont have the HFAPP_V9.DOC file in the MCAM9CHOOKS file. Does anyone have any idea where I can get it or why its not in my CHOOKS file?

fboike, Thad ... you guys both down here in Georgia? Im here in Commerce on I-85 near all the outlet malls. Good to see some home folks here.

I just ran it on a roughing operation. It cut the machining time from 43 min. to 22 min. The stock set up part is great. I saved an STL file and used it for Stock Setup and it knew when it was cutting air and rapided thru that part and full cut was my programmed feed rate and would speed up and slow down depending on the engagement of the tool. It was awesome. As far as the dongle no I cant take it home. We have only one 3-D one and its used alot by others desinging and such. I dont think he would let me take it home anyway. I have considered buying it myself for some design work I do at home on my recurve bows but hard to justify the cost for a hobby.

I really think this is going to be a great tool. Only wish I could work on it at home but cant afford to buy Mastercam just to be able to play with it on my home pc. Its hard to keep parts going and still have time to learn everthing I would like to.

This is working for me now... still tweeking on it but have had great luck with it. Finishing only ... I will be playing with the roughing today. Recombine segments when feed rate changes less than (%) = 10.0 Look ahead(as a % of tool diameter)= 100.0 Maximum feed rate change per block= 30.0 (still playing with this one alittle to try to speed it up more. CHECK Accelerate to smooth feed rates Segment length (%of tool diameter) = 15.0 Slow down to mimimum cornering feed rate when direction changes (degrees) = 45.0 Mimnimum cornering feed rate = 20.0 Cornering acceleration in Gs = 0.01 You Fadal guys try these out and let me know what you think.. if you find something that works better let me know and Ill do the same.

Thanks Wildcat that is exactly what I was looking for. Im running all A2 and other tool steels and the plunge was wearing my hand out on the feedrate knob. I'v got the part on the finishing working great. I cant wait to try the roughing part now. If anyone needs the settings on the high feed for finishing on a fadal Ive got some numbers that work really well... running 200 inches a minute right now and as smoothe as silk, cut my machining time in half on this job.

What do you mean by this: quote: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- also for slowing down when feeding in a "-" motion and speed up when in a "+" direction. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- slowing down when it plunges in a z negitive and speeding up wing cutting in a z positive motion. Yes if you have an example or two to share it would be great.... its getting better but not there yet.

I know this topic comes up often. Ive looked thru the history and havent found much on it that will help so Im going to bring it up again. I have two Fadal machining centers and I have my high feed option set but its not what it should be. Is there anyone out there with settings for Fadal or someone that can tell me how to optimise it? I would like to use it on roughing also for slowing down when feeding in a "-" motion and speed up when in a "+" direction.

OK I will attach it shortly and email you the link. It will be a file named Curve5ax. If you run Backplot you will see that the tool leaves the side of the blades where they make a steep angle down the auger. If it would be possible to shift in Y it would follow them perfectly.

I cant put this on the FTP site but if someone is willing to help me out if you will leave me an email address I can direct you to our FTP site and I can put it there. Everyone that has seen this says its pushing Mastercams limits but I just cant beleive that. Mastercam is far to powerful not to be able to do this. Please Help....

Im useing a point right now.

oops Im useing a tool today not a tood... but starting to feel like a tood... been working on this program for a week now.

Yes basically that is right. Machining the faces of the auger baldes. They are at a steep angle and the radius of my tool forces it away from the side of the auger blade but if i can shift my Y half of my tood diameter it will work.

Is it possible to offset my Y when rotateing around my X axis in Mastercam? Im useing this path on a 4th axis machine. I need to offset to compensate for the radius of my tool due to the path running at an angle while machining an auger.

Its really hard to explain... the tool isnt following that one section of the tool path at all. Its dipping down .035 to .04 below it, but following the rest of the tool path perfectly.

I had a 3D Profile tool path that traveled on a straight line moveing x y and z to a radius then contenueing down on a straight lin in x y and z. On one of the lines I made a strange move in z. I tried everything but coldnt get it to follow my line? Is this a glitch or is there a way I can make it work?

And yes it worked... thanks agin guys....

Duh is right ... I knew that too.. sometimes cant think.. but yes they are both there. G84.2 G0G90X2.5972Y-4.5 H9Z.1M8.1L0.0 G84.1G99X2.5972Y-4.5Z-1.06R.1F5.90563S100.2

Yes there is a G84.2 didnt know there was a G84.1 hehehe Thad that is exactly what Im saying...if my feed knob isnt set perfectly, and you know how hard that would be, after pressing slide hold it will over ride the Rigid tapping. Therefore my rpm doesnt match the feed anymore.